Celebrating the fabulous firsts of a legendary funny lady.
While everyone debates the funniness (or not) of contemporary female comics such as Amy Schumer and Mindy Kaling, Time Life has unearthed some vintage treasures from one of the queens of comedy—undisputed and beloved Carol Burnett.
During the late 1960s, The Carol Burnett Show was one of the highest rating shows on American TV during its golden age—an age in which women such as Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers and Lily Tomlin gained national attention without controversy, and rose to the top of the comedy heap.
Now, more than 40 years after its heydey, The Carol Burnett Show is available in a 6-DVD set featuring restored and remastered episodes from Seasons 1-5 (1967-1972), hand-picked by Carol herself. This is a Collectors’ Edition for fans of Burnett, but also for feisty, funny feminists who would like to tap into a rare talent that should never be forgotten.
Because, while we still fight about the meaning of feminism, and the function of comedy in mainstream culture, Burnett was out there and doing it: championing women in show business and making people laugh at the same time.
What can you expect from The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes? Burnett’s brand of humor was physical, outrageous, sharp witted, camp, and hilarious (the outrageous costumes and psychedelic fashions are a bonus!) without f-bombs or insulting stereotypes. It’s interesting to see how Burnett’s style paved the way for the success of Ellen Degeneres, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler.
Episodes include appearances by Lucille Ball, Nancy Wilson, Phyllis Diller, Nanette Fabray, Chita Rivera, Bernadette Peters, and many more fabulous and gay guests. There’s also loads of bonus material, bloopers, outtakes, and interviews with stars of yesteryear and today, including her long term comedy partner Julie Andrews, Vicki Carr, Carol Channing, Kristin Chenoweth, Tina Fey, Queen Latifah, and more!
Burnett is a gay icon; she has inspired countless drag queens, and while there are numerous rumors that Burnett was bisexual, her daughter, the musician Erin Hamilton, is. And if you’ve heard of Burnett but never seen her classic work, check it out and discover why this fabulous funny lady has been honored with more People’s Choice Awards than any other actress.